Chayote thrives in its native environment and in the warm, humid climate of southern China, where its underground roots survive the winter and regrow as vines in the following spring. This perennial plant can produce flowers and fruits for more than three years. However, in northern regions, it typically behaves as an annual. Growing chayote in open fields in the north is feasible, provided that temperatures remain between 20–30°C during the seedling and growth stages. The plant requires a lot of water and nutrients, prefers moist but well-drained soil, and is not tolerant of waterlogging. Its extensive root system allows it to adapt well to various soils, especially fertile ones with deep layers. Sandy loam soil with good drainage is ideal for optimal root development.
The growth cycle of chayote is long. In the north, it is usually planted in early spring after the last frost. Flowers appear when the weather warms up, and fruits are harvested before the first heavy frost, typically around the time of the White Dew. Chayote vines are highly branched and spread rapidly, producing numerous offspring. With sufficient water, the plants will continue to grow leaves and bear fruit, offering multiple harvest opportunities.
To successfully cultivate chayote in the north, the following techniques are recommended:
1. **Winter Nest Preparation**: Dig three 60-square-meter octopus-shaped nests, each 1 meter wide. At a depth of 70 cm, apply 50 kg of human urine or composted manure, or 1 kg of compound fertilizer, mixing it thoroughly with the soil to allow full decomposition. Cover the upper layer with 30 cm of sand or forest soil, preparing it for planting the next year.
2. **Seedling Production**:
- **Germination Methods**:
- Use a sweet potato kiln where temperatures range from 8–10°C, suitable for germination.
- Utilize a vegetable greenhouse with temperatures between 15–30°C, ideal for chayote germination. Seeds are transplanted into the greenhouse in mid-January.
- Grow seedlings in a heated room at 15–25°C using pots or wooden boxes.
- **Intensive Seedling Cultivation**: Once the embryos develop roots and shoots, carefully remove them from the melon and plant them in nutrient-rich soil or small containers.
- **Cluster Bud Propagation**: Chayote produces multiple cluster buds, which can be cut and used to propagate new plants. These buds grow to about 10 cm in April and May.
3. **Scaffold Setup**:
- Install flat or arch-shaped trellises 2.5–3 meters high.
- Use existing structures like grapevines or apple trees as supports.
- Connect trellises along walls or bamboo fences based on natural conditions.
- Keep the main vines to two per plant to encourage branching and increase yield.
4. **Water and Fertilizer Management**: After planting in early spring, water the seedlings daily, keeping the soil moist. Avoid using liquid fertilizer directly on young plants to prevent damage. When the main vine reaches 1 meter, dig a trench 30 cm away from the plant and apply a small amount of compost or chemical fertilizer. During hot summer days, irrigate every 10 days, adding organic waste and compound fertilizer. Spray leaves regularly to cool and nourish the plants. In autumn, spray leaves every 10 days to maintain health.
5. **Harvest and Storage**: Harvest small fruits 15 days after they start growing. Handle them gently and store them in a cool room around 5°C to avoid freezing. Properly stored chayote can last 7–8 months, with the best storage period being September to October.
6. **Selecting Quality Fruits**: Choose fruits from the third or fourth harvest. They should be more than 25 days old, with clear sutures and yellow-green coloration. Ensure these fruits are kept cool and do not sprout prematurely before winter.
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